If you’re like me and flying alone makes you very anxious, the idea of doing a long solo trip to one of our project destinations might be quite daunting. But I found that there are many ways to make the jet setting experience a lot more enjoyable, no matter how long you’ll be travelling!
My journey started in London, stopping off in Madrid and then Lima before arriving at my final destination, Cusco. In total, the flight was 20 long hours.
Despite having done quite a few short flights within Europe I didn’t feel like I was ready to tackle flying to the other side of the world, but when I got off of the last flight and was finally on Peruvian soil, I realised it really wasn’t that bad.
Here are some travel tips for long haul flights which I think are useful before you start your adventure with Globalteer!
1. Take lots of snacks!
We all know how expensive airport food is, and plane food is even worse. I recommend bringing some salty snacks for the trips (sweets are good but salty food is sustenance!) such as crisps or popcorn. There are plenty of places where you can purchase your regular airport food such as starbucks or mcdonalds, and there are also smaller stores which sell more regional food such as a classic empanada.
2. Bring other clothes to change into!
When travelling for such a long time it is important to make yourself feel comfortable, especially if the climate of the country you're travelling from is so different to the country at which you are arriving. Bring extra clothes that you can change into when you're at one of your layovers so you feel fresh for the final leg of the journey! I also recommend bringing your toothbrush and a face cloth to keep you feeling clean.
3. Prepare documents before arriving at the airport!
It is very important to check which documents you need to have with you to enter the country you’re travelling to, especially during these unprecedented times when there’s a lot more paperwork than usual. I also think that it is good to keep paper copies of important documents or screenshots if possible, in case the airport wifi stops working just when you need it the most! (Another tip, if the airport wifi isn’t working, you can usually find good wifi at an airport starbucks to download documents/ text your parents that you’ve arrived etc!)
4. Stay hydrated!
Dehydration can happen quicker when flying because the air is so dry so it’s essential to keep drinking water (as well as any other beverages you might want to get on the flight). It’s also a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle to avoid paying hideous prices for water after security.
5. Start thinking you’re in the time zone of your destination as soon as you reach the airport!
Before getting on your first flight it is a great idea to check the time in your destination country. By acting as if you’re already in the time zone of your destination country, your body will become more accustomed to the time difference before even landing, thus less jet lag when you arrive!
I hope these small tips for long haul flights will help make your travelling experience smoother and overall less stressful. Remember, almost everyone feels a little lost when navigating through an airport in a new country and you are not alone! If you need help or have questions don’t be afraid to ask any member of staff, that’s what they’re there for. And lastly, enjoy your trip and we look forward to seeing you soon!
